Virginia Tech Looks to Rebound Against Wake Forest as Postseason Nears

Jackson Didlake

February 27, 2021

BLACKSBURG, Va. — After a 17-day COVID-19 hiatus, No. 16 Virginia Tech fell to Georgia Tech in disappointing fashion, 69-53.

The Hokies (14-5, 8-4 ACC) will look to right the ship down the stretch and perhaps no better chance for Mike Young’s team to bounce back than against a weak Demon Deacons (6-12, 3-12 ACC) squad.

It’s been rough sledding recently for Wake Forest, dropping its last four games. Last time out, the Demon Deacons only mustered up 39 points in a loss to Clemson.

Tech leads the all-time series 37-31 and has won the previous five meetings. The conference foes last met on Jan. 17, in Winston-Salem, which resulted in a 64-60 victory for the Hokies.

Young (Wofford) and first-year Wake Forest head coach Steve Forbes (ETSU) have history from their time in the SoCon conference, with Young taking six of their nine matchups.

Wake Forest’s Key to the Game: Get Hot from the Field

In four of the Hokies’ five losses this season, their opponents have shot 50% or better with the lone exception coming on Jan. 6 in a 73-71 loss to Louisville (47.3%).

An offensive explosion is a big ask for a Demon Deacons team that is third worst in the ACC in points per game (67.5), but Wake will need a huge day from its shooters to shock Tech.

Virginia Tech’s Key to the Game: Rebound After A Loss

Mike Young’s squad is a perfect 4-0 coming off of a loss this season. Additionally, after the tough loss on Tuesday to the Yellow Jackets, Young ensured that the Hokies would play better on Saturday, citing their lack of time on the court over the past three weeks.

Wake Forest Player to Watch: Daivien Williamson

Williamson presents a similar situation to Keve Aluma for the Hokies, following his coach to their new squad. The Winston-Salem native spent two years under Forbes at ETSU before taking his talents to the Demon Deacons.

The six-foot-two guard has paced Wake Forest at 12.7 points and 2.6 assists. The Deacons will need a big game from Williamson to keep it close.

Virginia Tech Player to Watch: Nahiem Alleyne

Alleyne had a productive outing versus Georgia Tech, drilling four free throws en route to recording 12 points. However, the six-foot-four guard struggled to take care of the ball, giving up a career-high four turnovers.

The sophomore hopes to get back on track, along with the entire Hokies roster, against a weak Wake Forest squad.

Predictions:

Jackson: Virginia Tech 68, Wake Forest 64

Chris Hirons: Virginia Tech 69, Wake Forest 61

David Cunningham: Virginia Tech 72, Wake Forest 65

Game Details:

Wake Forest (6-12, 3-12 ACC) at No 16 Virginia Tech (14-5, 8-4)

Tipoff: 4 p.m.

Location: Cassell Coliseum in Blacksburg, Va.

Television: ACCN